What are the support experiences and needs of patients who have received bariatric surgery

Bibliographic Data

ID19507329
AuthorsMelanie Sharman, Melanie J Sharman (0000-0003-1949-4920, Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia), Martin Hensher (0000-0001-6444-6827, Department of Health and Human Services Hobart Tasmania Australia), Stephen Wilkinson (0000-0002-2073-1762, Royal Hobart Hospital Hobart Tasmania Australia), Danielle Williams (0000-0002-5697-1848, School of Nursing University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia), Andrew Palmer (0000-0002-9703-7891, Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia), Alison Venn (0000-0001-7090-1398, Menzies Institute for Medical Research University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia), Douglas Ezzy (0000-0003-2881-8720, School of Social Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia)
Year2017
Volume20
Issue1
Pages35-46
Publication date2017-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.12423
PMID28052539
OpenAlexW2168394956
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited23

OBJECTIVE: To explore the support needs and experiences of patients who had received publicly or privately funded bariatric surgery and the importance of this support in mediating outcomes of surgery. METHODS: Seven semi-structured focus groups were conducted. A broad interview schedule guided the discussions which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Twenty-six women and 15 men with a mean age of 54 years (range 24-72) participated in the study. Participants described support needs from health professionals, significant others (family and friends), peers (bariatric surgery recipients) and the general community. Peer, dietetic and psychological support were identified as important factors influencing the outcomes (e.g. weight reduction or health improvement) or experience of bariatric surgery but were identified as infrequently received or inadequately provided. Psychological support was proposed as one of the most significant but commonly overlooked components of care. Support needs appeared higher in the first year post-surgery, when subsequent related or unrelated surgeries were required and following significant life change such as worsening health. For some participants, deficits in support appeared to negatively influence the experience or outcomes of surgery. CONCLUSION: Providers of bariatric surgery should discuss support needs and accessibility regularly with patients especially in the first year post-surgery and following significant change in a patient's life (e.g. declined health or childbirth). Nutrition, psychological and peer support (e.g. through support groups) may be especially important for some patients

Childbirth · Emotional support · Family medicine · Focus group · Health care · MEDLINE · Peer support · Pregnancy · Psychiatry · Social support · Support group · Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes · Body Contouring and Surgery · Medicine · Nursing · Obesity and Health Practices · Psychology

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